Star Spangled Spectacular rated among best shows in Ohio

LIMA — The Ohio Division of Tourism has listed the Star Spangled Spectacular as one of the Top 10 best fireworks displays of the summer.

The rest of the state may just learn what we already know: Faurot Park is the place to be today. The finale of the day, happening about 10 p.m. will again be performed by Zambelli Fireworks, one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies.

At least 40,000 people make their way to the park throughout the day, organizers say.

The Zambelli family always has a little something extra, a little something special for the Lima crowd, Star Spangled Chairman Ric Stolly said.

The event is often an unofficial homecoming for Lima natives.

“This is the 20th anniversary of this event. It’s become the event that people come home for,” said Stolly, who is also parks, recreation and forestry director for the city of Lima. “It is a great community event, with more than 40,000 people coming to the park to be a part of this. “

On Tuesday and Wednesday crews assembled the fireworks, and on Wednesday, crews arrived at the park with the free children’s rides and also assembled the main stage.

Rain may change some things throughout the day, Stolly said, starting with this morning’s route for the Freedom 5K Race. If the Ottawa River is over its banks and covering the Riverwalk, the race will still happen, but with an alternative route.

The committee will make a decision later today about whether the fireworks display will go off tonight as planned, or if it will be moved to Friday night.

Baseball games begin at 8:30 a.m. today and the 5K begins at 9 a.m. Handicap parking shuttle buses begin at noon and St. Rita’s Medical Center shuttle buses begin at 2 p.m. Food booths open at 2 p.m. and kids’ rides begin at 4 p.m. Pavilion state entertainment begins at 4 p.m. and main stage entertainment begins at 7 p.m. with Nashville Crush.

The day also includes a new morning bicycle tour, sand volleyball tournament, kickball tournament and a Lima Locos doubleheader. For a full schedule of events, map of activities and parking information, visit www.Lima4th.com.

Star Spangled Spectacular is presented by the city of Lima, St. Rita’s Medical Center, Superior Federal Credit Union, Your Hometown Stations and The Lima News. The fireworks are sponsored by Tom Ahl and Citizens National Bank, with the finale sponsored by PotashCorp. Many other companies and organizations sponsor other parts of the day.